Cartoon goes Looney for Manu

Updated 1:46 pm, Wednesday, January 9, 2013

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Sometimes it seems like the Spurs' Manu Ginobili is hurt more than he's healthy. Here's a look back at some of his more memorable injuries. The Spurs' Manu Ginobili falls to the court during the first quarter against the Seattle SuperSonics in Seattle on Nov. 7, 2004. less

Sometimes it seems like the Spurs' Manu Ginobili is hurt more than he's healthy. Here's a look back at some of his more memorable injuries. The Spurs' Manu Ginobili falls to the court during the first quarter ... more

Photo: JOHN FROSCHAUER, AP

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The Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash drives through the defense of the Spurs' Manu Ginobili during the first quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at the SBC Center on May 30, 2005.

The Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash drives through the defense of the Spurs' Manu Ginobili during the first quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at the SBC Center on May 30, 2005.

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili looks up after falling during the first quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals in San Antonio on May 30, 2005.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili looks up after falling during the first quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals in San Antonio on May 30, 2005.

Photo: DAVID J. PHILLIP, AP

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili lifts himself off the court after crashing to the floor during the second quarter of Game 6 of the NBA Finals at the SBC Center on June 21, 2005.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili lifts himself off the court after crashing to the floor during the second quarter of Game 6 of the NBA Finals at the SBC Center on June 21, 2005.

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili lies on the court in pain after spraining his ankle in a game against the Miami Heat on Jan. 20, 2006, at American Airlines Arena in Miami.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili lies on the court in pain after spraining his ankle in a game against the Miami Heat on Jan. 20, 2006, at American Airlines Arena in Miami.

Photo: Victor Baldizon, NBAE/Getty Images

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili grimaces in pain after falling to the floor during a game in Miami against the Heat on Jan. 20, 2006. Ginobili left the game with a sprained ankle as the Spurs won 101-94.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili grimaces in pain after falling to the floor during a game in Miami against the Heat on Jan. 20, 2006. Ginobili left the game with a sprained ankle as the Spurs won 101-94.

Photo: J. PAT CARTER, AP

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The Spurs' Tim Duncan checks on teammate Manu Ginobili after Ginobili was hit in the lip during the second game of the Spurs' Western Conference semifinals series against the Dallas Mavericks on May 9, 2006 at the AT&T Center. less

The Spurs' Tim Duncan checks on teammate Manu Ginobili after Ginobili was hit in the lip during the second game of the Spurs' Western Conference semifinals series against the Dallas Mavericks on May 9, 2006 at ... more

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili grimaces after taking a hard foul from the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell in the second half on Nov. 8, 2006, at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 111-106 in overtime.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili grimaces after taking a hard foul from the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell in the second half on Nov. 8, 2006, at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 111-106 in overtime.

The Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash loses control of the ball as the Spurs' Manu Ginobili defends in the second half of Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center.

The Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash loses control of the ball as the Spurs' Manu Ginobili defends in the second half of Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili collides with the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center. The collision resulted in an injury to Ginobili's left eye. less

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili collides with the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center. The collision resulted in an injury to Ginobili's left ... more

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili is helped off the court by teammates Jacque Vaughn (left) and Fabricio Oberto after Ginobili collided with the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center. The collision resulted in an injury to Ginobili's left eye. less

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili is helped off the court by teammates Jacque Vaughn (left) and Fabricio Oberto after Ginobili collided with the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals ... more

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili reacts after being inadvertently hit in the eye in the second half of Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili reacts after being inadvertently hit in the eye in the second half of Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili sits on the bench on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center after colliding with the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The Spurs won 108-101 to lead the series 2-1. less

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili sits on the bench on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center after colliding with the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The Spurs won 108-101 to lead ... more

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili puts ice on his left eye after colliding with the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili puts ice on his left eye after colliding with the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili shows the signs of his collision with the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 108-101 to lead the series 2-1. less

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili shows the signs of his collision with the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2007, at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 108-101 to lead ... more

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Spurs guard Manu Ginobili appears with an injured left eye after he collided with Phoenix Suns guard Raja Bell during the fourth quarter of the Western Conference Semifinals in San Antonio on May 12, 2007. San Antonio won 108-101. less

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili appears with an injured left eye after he collided with Phoenix Suns guard Raja Bell during the fourth quarter of the Western Conference Semifinals in San Antonio on May 12, 2007. San ... more

Photo: Eric Gay, AP

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Spurs guard Manu Ginobili is fouled by Steve Nash on a three-point attempt in the second half of Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 14, 2007, at the U.S. Airways Center.

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili is fouled by Steve Nash on a three-point attempt in the second half of Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 14, 2007, at the U.S. Airways Center.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

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Spurs guard Manu Ginobili waits to recover the loose ball as Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams falls to the court during first half action in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals in Salt Lake City on May 28, 2007. less

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili waits to recover the loose ball as Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams falls to the court during first half action in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals in Salt Lake City on May 28, ... more

Photo: EDWARD A ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili reacts in the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena on May 28, 2007, in Salt Lake City.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili reacts in the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena on May 28, 2007, in Salt Lake City.

Photo: Lisa Blumenfeld, Getty Images

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Spurs guard Manu Ginobili takes a charge from Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio on June 7, 2007.

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili takes a charge from Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio on June 7, 2007.

Photo: TOM REEL, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili reacts after being injured against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half on Dec. 22, 2007, at the AT&T Center.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili reacts after being injured against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half on Dec. 22, 2007, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili is fouled by Utah Jazz guard Ronnie Price as he tries to slip between Price and Jazz forward Matt Harpring (right) on April 4, 2008, in Salt Lake City.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili is fouled by Utah Jazz guard Ronnie Price as he tries to slip between Price and Jazz forward Matt Harpring (right) on April 4, 2008, in Salt Lake City.

Photo: Douglas C. Pizac, AP

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Argentina's Manu Ginobili reacts after injuring his ankle during the first half of a semifinal game against Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Aug. 22, 2008 in Beijing, China. The USA won 101-81.

Argentina's Manu Ginobili reacts after injuring his ankle during the first half of a semifinal game against Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Aug. 22, 2008 in Beijing, China. The USA won 101-81.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Argentina's Manu Ginobili shouts in pain after an injury during the men's semifinal basketball game against Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 22, 2008.

Argentina's Manu Ginobili shouts in pain after an injury during the men's semifinal basketball game against Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 22, 2008.

Photo: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE, AFP/Getty Images

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Argentina's Manu Ginobili reacts after injuring his ankle during a semifinal game against Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Aug. 22, 2008, in Beijing, China. The USA won 101-81.

Argentina's Manu Ginobili reacts after injuring his ankle during a semifinal game against Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Aug. 22, 2008, in Beijing, China. The USA won 101-81.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Argentina's Manu Ginobili shouts in pain after an injury during the men's semifinal basketball game against Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 22, 2008.

Argentina's Manu Ginobili shouts in pain after an injury during the men's semifinal basketball game against Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 22, 2008.

Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY, AFP/Getty Images

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Argentina's Manu Ginobili (right) reacts after injuring his ankle during the first half of a semifinal game against Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Aug. 22, 2008 in Beijing, China. The USA won 101-81.

Argentina's Manu Ginobili (right) reacts after injuring his ankle during the first half of a semifinal game against Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Aug. 22, 2008 in Beijing, China. The USA won 101-81.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Argentina's Manu Ginobili holds his ankle after he was injured against Team USA during the first quarter of their men's semifinal basketball game at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Ginobili, who helped lead Argentina to a bronze medal in the Beijing Olympics, needed surgery to repair the ligament injury in his left ankle. less

Argentina's Manu Ginobili holds his ankle after he was injured against Team USA during the first quarter of their men's semifinal basketball game at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Ginobili, who helped ... more

Photo: Eric Gay, AP

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili dives to the floor for a loose ball against the Memphis Grizzlies at the AT&T Center on Nov. 28, 2008.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili dives to the floor for a loose ball against the Memphis Grizzlies at the AT&T Center on Nov. 28, 2008.

Photo: DELCIA LOPEZ, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili reacts after being fouled by the Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett at the AT&T Center on Nov. 3, 2009.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili reacts after being fouled by the Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett at the AT&T Center on Nov. 3, 2009.

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili waves to the crowd during a break in action against the Washington Wizards at the AT&T Center on Nov. 21, 2009. Ginobili was sidelined with a strained left groin.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili waves to the crowd during a break in action against the Washington Wizards at the AT&T Center on Nov. 21, 2009. Ginobili was sidelined with a strained left groin.

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili is fouled by the Sacramento Kings' Donte Greene during a scramble for the ball at the AT&T Center on Dec. 9, 2009. The Spurs won 118-106.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili is fouled by the Sacramento Kings' Donte Greene during a scramble for the ball at the AT&T Center on Dec. 9, 2009. The Spurs won 118-106.

Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili holds his nose after he was fouled during play against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter of Game 4 of a first-round NBA playoff series on April 25, 2010, in San Antonio. Ginobili played the game with a broken nose. San Antonio won 92-89. less

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili holds his nose after he was fouled during play against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter of Game 4 of a first-round NBA playoff series on April 25, 2010, in San Antonio. ... more

Photo: AP

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili leaves the court after being hit in the nose during the third quarter of Game 3 of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks on April 23, 2010, at the AT&T Center. less

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili leaves the court after being hit in the nose during the third quarter of Game 3 of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks on April 23, 2010, at the AT&T ... more

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili wears a bandage prior to Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks on April 25, 2010, at the AT&T Center.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili wears a bandage prior to Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks on April 25, 2010, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili sits on the bench during Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks on April 27, 2010, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Mavericks won 103-81. less

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili sits on the bench during Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks on April 27, 2010, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Mavericks won ... more

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili drives to the basket around the Dallas Mavericks' Erick Dampier during first half action of Game 6 of the first round of the NBA playoffs on April 29, 2010, at the AT&T Center.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili drives to the basket around the Dallas Mavericks' Erick Dampier during first half action of Game 6 of the first round of the NBA playoffs on April 29, 2010, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili touches his bandage during the second quarter of Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns on May 3, 2010, in Phoenix.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili touches his bandage during the second quarter of Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns on May 3, 2010, in Phoenix.

Photo: AP

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili scored 27 points in San Antonio's loss to the Phoenix Suns, 111-102, in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals at U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix on May 3, 2010.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili scored 27 points in San Antonio's loss to the Phoenix Suns, 111-102, in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals at U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix on May 3, 2010.

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili reacts after a play against the Phoenix Suns during first half action of Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 7, 2010, at the AT&T Center.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili reacts after a play against the Phoenix Suns during first half action of Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 7, 2010, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili watches his shot late in second half action on Nov. 6, 2010, at the AT&T Center. Ginobili missed and the game went to overtime, with the Spurs winning 124-121.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili watches his shot late in second half action on Nov. 6, 2010, at the AT&T Center. Ginobili missed and the game went to overtime, with the Spurs winning 124-121.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili dives into his team's bench to save a ball by assistant coach Brett Brown during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the AT&T Center on Nov. 20, 2010.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili dives into his team's bench to save a ball by assistant coach Brett Brown during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the AT&T Center on Nov. 20, 2010.

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili sits on the bench during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 28, 2011, at the AT&T Center.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili sits on the bench during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 28, 2011, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili and Antonio McDyess sit on the bench during a timeout against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half on March 28, 2011, at the AT&T Center.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili and Antonio McDyess sit on the bench during a timeout against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half on March 28, 2011, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili lies on the court as teammates Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess (34) watch, moments after Ginobili was fouled by the Phoenix Suns' Grant Hill during the first quarter on April 13, 2011, in Phoenix. Ginobili had to leave the game. Suns' Marcin Gortat (4), of Poland, looks on. less

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili lies on the court as teammates Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess (34) watch, moments after Ginobili was fouled by the Phoenix Suns' Grant Hill during the first quarter on April 13, 2011, ... more

Photo: AP

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili is checked by the trainer after running into the Phoenix Suns' Grant Hill during the first quarter on April 13, 2011, in Phoenix. Ginobili had to leave the game.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili is checked by the trainer after running into the Phoenix Suns' Grant Hill during the first quarter on April 13, 2011, in Phoenix. Ginobili had to leave the game.

Photo: AP

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili looks down as the team plays the Memphis Grizzlies late in the second half of Game 1 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the AT&T Center on April 17, 2011. The Grizzlies won 101-98. less

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili looks down as the team plays the Memphis Grizzlies late in the second half of Game 1 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the AT&T Center on April 17, 2011. The Grizzlies won ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili (left) is seen with his bandaged left hand on the sidelines during a game against the Golden State Warriors at the AT&T Center on Jan. 4, 2012.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili (left) is seen with his bandaged left hand on the sidelines during a game against the Golden State Warriors at the AT&T Center on Jan. 4, 2012.

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Spurs guard Manu Ginobili reacts during the first half against the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 4, 2012, in San Antonio. Ginobili is scheduled to have surgery to repair a broken bone in his left hand.

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili reacts during the first half against the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 4, 2012, in San Antonio. Ginobili is scheduled to have surgery to repair a broken bone in his left hand.

Photo: AP

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili recovers from hand surgery while attending a game against the Denver Nuggets at the AT&T Center on Jan. 7, 2012.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili recovers from hand surgery while attending a game against the Denver Nuggets at the AT&T Center on Jan. 7, 2012.

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili (standing), joined by teammates Tiago Splitter (from left), Tim Duncan and Matt Bonner, reacts to a call against teammate Danny Green in the closing moments of the game against the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 7, 2012. Spurs won 121-117. less

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili (standing), joined by teammates Tiago Splitter (from left), Tim Duncan and Matt Bonner, reacts to a call against teammate Danny Green in the closing moments of the game against the ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili waves to fans from the bench during the first half against the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 15, 2012, at the AT&T Center.

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili waves to fans from the bench during the first half against the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 15, 2012, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Cartoon goes Looney for Manu

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Tim Duncan was lounging at home, idly watching a cartoon with his two young children when something caught his ear.

He couldn't be positive, but he was fairly certain Lola Bunny, Bugs Bunny's animated girlfriend on “The Looney Tunes Show,” had just uttered the name of Spurs teammate Manu Ginobili.

Duncan rewound the clip to make sure he had heard correctly. He indeed had, prompting a call to Ginobili.

“He told me, 'You finally made it,'” Ginobili said. “At first I thought it was Argentinian, someone had (dubbed my name). It was fun to see. Unexpected, very unexpected.”

It happened again late last month, with Lola assigning the role of Ginobili to Speedy Gonzalez in a play. Santa Claus then popped through the Warner Brothers logo and bellowed Manu's name at the end of the credits.

“It was funny the first time,” Ginobili said. “The second time, I was like, OK, something is going on.”

As is so often the case on the court, Ginobili's instincts proved correct. The references are a tribute from Alamo Heights graduate Hugh Davidson, “The Looney Tunes Show's” head writer and a passionate Spurs fan dating back to the team's ABA days.

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Davidson said a fourth mention, in which Lola Bunny explains the roots of her Ginobili infatuation, was cut. But there is no editing Davidson, who rates Ginobili as his favorite player.

“He's underappreciated for how great he is,” said Davidson, 43. “It's madness watching him play. I think he's the most entertaining player to ever put on a uniform. His brain is not like anyone else's.”

It's hardly surprising that Lola — voiced by former “Saturday Night Live” star Kristen Wiig, who needed help pronouncing Ginobili's name — would have a crush on a baller. The beautiful blonde bunny made her debut in the 1996 Michael Jordan vehicle “Space Jam.”

Living in Los Angeles has been essential for Davidson's career as a professional writer. In addition to helping reboot Looney Tunes as a contemporary version of the classic cartoon, he shared multiple Emmy Awards for his work on “Robot Chicken.”

As a basketball fan, however, it has been hell. Adrift on an endless sea of purple and gold, Davidson is only too happy to fly the hometown flag in enemy territory.

“The Lakers are the antithesis of the Spurs,” he said of the team that will face San Antonio tonight at the AT&T Center. “They throw money at everything, they're lazy. I can't bear it.”

Davidson is only slightly irritated that the Spurs didn't start to win big until he left town.

“When I was little, I didn't think they were allowed to be in the playoffs,” he said. George “Gervin would score a lot of points, and they'd be out. It's been night and day how great they've been.”

Davidson said he's never encountered any resistance to the Ginobili references. He was, however, aghast when a basketball game Bugs Bunny watched was mocked up with Lakers colors.

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“We can't micro-manage everything,” he said. “I'm like, 'God, I'd rather him be watching the Bucks than the Lakers.' I'd rather support any small market than them.”

Davidson has converted fellow Looney Tunes writer Rachel Ramras, a Phoenix native with whom he lives in L.A. She and Davidson had been waiting for some sort of feedback, which they finally received when Ginobili acknowledged his affinity for Speedy Gonzalez via Twitter.

“We kept looking after Christmas,” she said. “Somebody picked up on it, and when Manu responded, we were so excited. We'd only put him in every (episode) if we could.”

It only took four championships, but the Spurs' Q score finally might be taking off. In addition to Ginobili's Looney Tunes love, an Israeli rap group produced a track in Gregg Popovich's honor last summer.

“We're the Spurs,” said Duncan, who was referenced in the Adam Sandler comedy “Grown Ups.” “We don't get it a whole lot. But every once in a while you get something like that. It's pretty cool.”